YSP NEWS 5770
news, views, & articles from the editorial staff of YSP...

♦ ♦ ♦
 

Color War in YSP
Friday, Menachem Av 26

It all started after seder chassidus, a show in the Berger Auditorium. While it seemed a bit odd, it was not totally out of the ordinary. Color War was broken out, or was it? Confusion reigned as many thought it to be a fake. The confusion was further enhanced when a regular maariv took place and then it was time for the Loi Yiso Goi El Goi Cherev masts to be hoisted as it was made official.

Teams were split and the Generals and their Lieutenants were introduced. Nobody was quite aware of the enormity of the two days that lay ahead. Here it is important to note that morning learning classes run as usual during learning class.

Following learning class it was time for Halacha skits. The unknown funny side of many bochurim come to the fore as the spectators from both teams are thrown into fits of laughter.

If the Halacha skits pack a punch then the theme plays were a total knock out. In a short space of time, the Gym was transformed into a stage. The backdrops were pristine and the props looked authentic. The acting was also of class, to ensure enthralling and captivating performances form both teams.

The hour was late, yet the heads (excuse the pun) of teams gathered their men as they discussed the best way to approach the next day of the war. Theme speeches were to be prepare and scavengers were under construction. It was the ultimate search for meaning and humor. Meanwhile a theme song was being composed, grammen was being written, staff gifts were sought out, almost breathtaking just to read.

Then there was the real deal that had to be taken care of, the costumes and the props and a befitting judges entrance. Atzmo chose mummies and Zulas chose lifeguards as they went about building their areas. The center piece for Zulas being a refreshing and sparkling indoor pool, and the center piece for Atzmo being a pyramid and a sarcophagus.

The grand sing was smashing, motivating, uplifting and everything in between. Spirits soared for 3 hours as late night turned into very early morning. (Not to worry we let them sleep and had them up on time for Krias Shma) Refreshments were duly provided to ensure optimum chays throughout. A tired yet content feeling was felt as maariv was davened and lights out took place.

The All-Star Game
Thursday, Menachem Av 25

Well, it was one of the more anticipated events, the All-Star game 5770. The weather predictions were bleak but that's all they remained predictions, as the weather was fantastic.

Perhaps the weather was a reflection of the mood in the stands as both the Lebedike and Hartzige fans turned up in numbers, to give support to their respective all stars.

The festive atmosphere was fed by the free cotton candy and pop-corn.

The baseball on the field was also up to scratch as a close game plated itself out.

The scoreline doesn't suggest such competitiveness as Hartzige ran out 5-1 winners over the spirited Lebedike team.

It was the Lebedike who took the lead from only the second pitch of the game, as a solo home run gave them the lead.

Excellent fielding by both teams saw a rapid pace to the game. It was Hartzig though who showed the heart went it was needed, as they rallied 5 runs to snatch the victory.

But the real winner was sportsmanship and YSP.

Insprational Day
Sunday, Menachem Av 21

Sunday was a very serious day in YSP. Reveille was a few minutes earlier as the bochurim prepared themselves for the trip to the Ohel. Panim were written. All the necessary pre-requisites to writing a Pan were conveyed to the bochurim by their learning teachers. 

Following shachris, the buses headed straight to the Ohel. Over there they were given a brief talk by Rabbi Goldman and they then entered the Ohel.

Upon exit from the Ohel, the bochurim were given a brunch being that they had not eaten as is customary prior to entering the Ohel. The bochurim spent the better part of three hours at the Ohel, giving ample opportunity for everyone to make it a meaningful occasion.

The buses then rolled to 770, where Mincha was davened. Following that, the bochurim took turns entering the Rebbes room and saying some Tehillim. After that there was a tour of the library and the Friediker Rebbe's apartment.

Snacks were served in Tenafly New Jersey, where Toffuti Ice cram was generously donated and some words from Rabbi Shain were heard.

A day of richness in content ended as the buses pulled up to the RCA.

Mivtza Gemorah Ba’al Peh
Wendesday, Menachem Av 17

YSP is not only YSP, it is also very much a Yeshivas Kayitz L'Masmidim. Testimony to this undoubted fact is the mivtza that has been going on for a few years, and that is the recital of Perek Lulav V'Aravah, Shakla V'Tarya Baal Peh.

Being our 30th summer, this mivtza was given an added emphasis, and it definitely paid off, as those finishing the preliminary stage of the mivtza were markedly more than previous years.

Sixty Five bochurim passed the initial stage of the mivtza by saying the first blat and a half, they were duly awarded with Sefer Haminhagim Chabad.

The resounding success to date is a tribute to the learning director and his very capable team of teachers. Also credit to the general staff for the very necessary incentives provided. At the end of the mivtza they are given a test on the full Perek.

Keep 'em coming
Friday, Menachem Av 5

Thursday night in YSP and the fantastic entertainment was still rolling rapidly.

The bochurim were treated to a night of hilarious laughter as frum comedian Reuven Russel entertained with a thoroughly enjoyable performance. It was the third night in a row of entertainment as the Berger Auditorium, where each night's shows were held, became synonymous with a grand old good time.

It was quirky and witty and obviously funny, but not wishing to compromise seder chassidus erev, the entertainment was intentionally postponed to after learning classes. The bochurim then davened maariv and had lights out.

In addition to all the regular happenings, there is an extra curricular ongoing program. It is incentive for those who go above and beyond. The program is called bloteh and is run by the talented Zushi Rivkin who co-ordinates and brings a unique chayus to YSP.

For those who deserved there was a Bloteh Farbrengen. We will hopefully have a full Bloteh run-down in the near future.

Magic and Munching
Thursday, Menachem Av 4

The learning program has settled into a steady rhythm, as has the sports, but that does not mean that there is a lack of variety.

It was the variety seekers who were thrilled on Wednesday. Many were showing very slight withdrawal symptoms from a non-meat diet, so we thought we would quell the withdrawal symptoms by serving piping hot pizza for all to enjoy.

Pizza is pizza but it can certainly do with an added topping, so we threw in a magic show for good measure. The magician was quick to point out that what he was doing was not real magic, but rather slights of hand and illusions. It was spell binding and riveting.

After two nights of thoroughly professional entertainment, many have forgotten as to the lack of trips. It would be a brave man to bet on another show tonight, but there are brave men in YSP so stay sited. 

Click here for archive

Drop us an e-mail at news@yspmorristown.com